Toxicity and interaction of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with microtubule protein

Abstract

Abstract Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in several manufactured products. The small size of NPs facilitates their uptake into cells as well as transcytosis across epithelial cells into blood and lymph circulation to reach different sites, such as the central nervous system. Different studies have shown the risks that TiO 2 NPs in the neuronal system and other organs present. As membrane-bound layer aggregates or single particles, TiO 2 NPs can enter not only cells, but also mitochondria and nuclei. Therefore these particles can interact with cytoplasmic proteins such as microtubules (MTs). MTs are cytoskeletal proteins that are essential in eukaryotic cells for a variety of functions, such as cellular transport, cell motility and mitosis. MTs in neurons are used to transport substances such as neurotransmitters. Single TiO 2 NPs in cytoplasm can interact with these proteins and affect their crucial functions in different tissues. In this study, we showed the effects of TiO 2 NPs on MT polymerization and structure using ultraviolet spectrophotometer and fluorometry. The fluorescent spectroscopy showed a significant tubulin conformational change in the presence of TiO 2 NPs and the ultraviolet spectroscopy results showed that TiO 2 NPs affect tubulin polymerization and decrease it. The aim of this study was to find the potential risks that TiO 2 NPs pose to human organs and cells. FullText for HTML: https://doi.org/10.1093/abbs/40.9.777